Modular Concrete Lining Panels with Adjustable Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete structures, such as tilt-up walls, have aesthetically unpleasing bare surfaces that are difficult to clean and maintain, and are susceptible to chemical degradation, requiring custom-designed liners for varying shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A modular structure-lining apparatus comprising interconnected panels with connector components and breakaway features, allowing for adjustable lengths and easy assembly to create a lining surface that bonds with concrete as it solidifies, providing a sanitary and durable finish without custom fabrication for each application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom-designed liners are fabricated for each concrete structure, then the lining can be precisely fitted to specific shapes and sizes, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The lining system is divided into multiple standardized panels of predetermined sizes that can be assembled together. Each panel contains connector components that enable edge-to-edge connections, allowing the system to adapt to various structures through modular assembly rather than custom fabrication of entire liners.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized panels are designed with universal connector components that can be used across different panel configurations and structure types. The same panel design with standardized connectors can serve multiple applications, eliminating the need for custom-designed liners for each structure while maintaining precise fit through proper assembly.
2Productivity
If standardized modular panels are used instead of custom liners, then manufacturing efficiency and cost decrease, but the ability to precisely fit varying shapes and sizes may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented standardized panels that can be independently positioned and connected. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement of panels to match various structural shapes and sizes while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for each panel unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector components enable dynamic adjustment and flexible assembly of panels during installation. The connectors allow panels to be easily connected, disconnected, and repositioned, providing adaptability to different structural configurations while using standardized panel units.
Data Source
AI summary
A structure-lining apparatus for lining one or more surfaces of a structure formed from curable material cast in a form. The apparatus comprises a plurality of panels. The panels are connected at their respective edges in an edge-to-edge connection to provide a structure-lining surface. A plurality of anchoring components project from the panels into the liquid material during fabrication of the structure. The anchoring components each comprise one or more anchoring features which are encased in the material as the material solidifies to thereby bond the anchoring components to the structure. The plurality of anchoring components comprises one or more connector-type anchoring components for connecting to corresponding connector-type anchoring components on adjacent edges of a corresponding edge-adjacent panel to connect the edge-adjacent panels in an edge-adjacent relationship. The apparatus comprises one or more breakaway components on at least one of the plurality of panels.